Can Lemon Juice Reduce Cholesterol?

by Johnathon Andrew

Lemon juice may help reduce high blood cholesterol.

High blood cholesterol is a relatively common condition among Americans and one that is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. Lemons are cholesterol-free -- like all fruit -- but they also contain various natural compounds that can help reduce the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice with lots of pulp likely has the most impact on cholesterol levels.

Vitamin C

Like all citrus fruit, lemons are a very good source of vitamin C -- also called ascorbic acid -- which partially explains why they taste so tart. Vitamin C can help reduce the amount of lipids and cholesterol in the blood, at least in test animals, according to a study published in a 2006 edition of the "Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences." The researchers found that feeding vitamin C to rats for 30 days significantly reduced their total blood cholesterol, including “bad” LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, the vitamin C did not increase “good” or protective HDL cholesterol in the blood. Regardless, the researchers concluded that administration of moderate to high doses of vitamin C may protect against atherosclerosis and hypertension. An 8-ounce glass of unpasteurized lemon juice contains about 94 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than the recommended daily amount for adults.

Flavonoids

Lemons contain numerous flavonoids, particularly eriocitrin and limonin, which are compounds that taste bitter and display some interesting health properties. According to a study published in a 2006 edition of the “Journal of Food Science,” daily consumption of eriocitrin significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the blood serum of rats. In a human study published in a 2007 edition of “Alternative Therapies,” men and women with high blood cholesterol were given flavonoids and vitamin E daily for four weeks and their total cholesterol levels were reduced between 20 and 30 percent. The researchers theorized that limonin reduces the production of apolipoprotein B, a substance in the liver associated with higher cholesterol levels.

Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber such as pectin, is also associated with lowering blood cholesterol levels. A study published in the journal “Clinical Cardiology” found that people given daily amounts of citrus pectin -- derived from grapefruit pulp and peel -- for 16 weeks showed an average total cholesterol reduction of 7.6 percent and an average LDL reduction of approximately 11 percent. Whole lemons are a good source of citrus pectin, but lemon juice without any pulp doesn’t contain much of it -- a little less than 1 gram per 8 ounces of juice.

Suggestions

Vitamin C and various flavonoids are sensitive to oxidation and heat. For example, leaving lemon juice exposed to the air or adding it to hot tea may destroy most of the vitamin C and flavonoids, so consume your lemon juice fresh for the greatest health benefits. Furthermore, leaving the pulp in lemon juice increases its pectin content and makes it more effective at reducing high cholesterol levels. If lemon juice is too sour for you to drink it straight, then add it to salads, vegetables or other beverages. Lemon juice also makes a tasty marinade.

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About the Author

Johnathon Andrew obtained his M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia in 2003 and then went on to complete his Medical Degree at Queen's University in Kingston. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals such as the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" and the "Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences."

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